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International conference on productive work for youth opens in Tunis

TUNIS, 28 November 2012 – Some 700 participants, including Government delegations and representatives of international organizations and the private sector, are attending an international conference on productive work for youth in Tunisia and the rest of the Middle East and North Africa region.

The two-day event, which opened in Tunis today, is organized by the European Union and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It will help develop and expand enterprises within Tunisia’s labour-intensive sectors, while focusing on young university graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit from less-developed regions of the country.

Conference participants will also formulate recommendations for the leaders of Tunisia and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region concerning the implementation of reforms that could boost productive and sustainable employment.

“Since 2009, UNIDO has been actively involved in the area of enterprise creation and development in Tunisia and the MENA region, and lately has intensified its efforts to support the recent national democratic process by mobilizing more funding for technical cooperation directed to stimulate private sector growth, competitiveness and job creation,” said Director-General Yumkella.

“Countries in the region seek development based on shared prosperity and equitable participation in society. I firmly believe that productive employment must be a cornerstone of such a vision.”

The event is attended by, among others, Hamadi Jebali, the Prime Minister of Tunisia; Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission; and Kandeh K. Yumkella, Director-General of UNIDO.

In addition to the plenary sessions, the conference will include over 20 parallel events for young entrepreneurs, including interactive workshops organized by partner institutions of the conference. Young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to receive training, and interact with members of Parliament and potential investors.

To give young people a voice and facilitate online discussions on the challenges and best solutions for youth employment, an interactive web platform has been set up (www.dep.tn and www.dep-youth.org).

The event is part of the Business and Technology Convention organized by Tunisia’s Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII).

For more information on UNIDO's approach to enhancing youth entrepreneurship in Tunis, please click here

To read more on UNIDO’s engagement in Tunisia to promote productive work for youth, please click here